Mar 25, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies (23) skates against the New York Rangers during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Mar 25, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies (23) skates against the New York Rangers during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
As rumors of Matthew Knies severing ties with the Toronto Maple Leafs made rounds, Leafs’ assistant General Manager Ryan Hardy decided to break the silence.
With the ongoing free agency following the Leafs’ disappointing overall 28th finish, the trade talk involving Knies spread like wildfire. However, in a recent interview on TSN's OneDrive podcast, hosted by Bryan Hayes, Jamie McLennan, and Jeff O'Neill, Hardy cleared the air.
“Matthew Knies is a guy… that helps you win the Stanley Cup, and every team needs guys like that… So, I understand the speculation,” the assistant GM said over the call. “But for us, he's really an important part of what we're doing.”
NHL insider Chris Johnson reported that a John Chayka (Leafs' GM)-Kent Hughes (Montreal Canadiens' GM) trade involving Knies fell through over late paperwork. But Hardy disputed it.
“We're in contact with his group, as you always are with all your players. Matthew Knies is an important part of the Maple Leafs,” he added to the call. “And anything beyond that is really just speculation, and I guess fodder that is entertaining.”
Hardy's comments reinforced the Leafs' commitment to keeping Knies despite trade talks. But the player himself had already made his position clear.
Matthew Knies Backs Ryan Hardy's Stance
The 6’3 Left Winger finished the season with 23 goals, 43 assists, 66 points and a -30 rating, not his best for sure. But he has the pieces that solidify his stay: an urgency to improve his -30 rating, a six-year, $46.5 million contract extension and a desire to keep being a Leaf.
“I’d love to stay here. I want to play here,” said Knies in April, according to Sportsnet’s writer Luke Fox. “I don’t want to leave this group of guys. It doesn’t really matter what it was. I wouldn’t want to leave here.”
Surely Chayka is on a roster overhaul and wants to make aggressive swings. His urgency to put together a playoff team is clear. But if anyone he’s trading next, Knies’ interview should convince him to look the other way.
But did you believe the rumors? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy